Visitors up, energy use down at theme park

Lightwater Valley theme park is set to save thousands of pounds in energy costs following a comprehensive audit of its energy use.

The study, by energy management consultancy Orchard Energy, identified efficiencies that will result in more than £50,000 in annual savings.

The theme park, which is at North Stainley near Ripon, has reduced its carbon footprint further by sourcing up to 45 per cent of its electricity from a large array of solar panels on adjacent fields. It also plans to introduce biomass boilers and smart lighting.

Simon Pyne of Orchard Energy said: “As well as exploring investment in energy-efficient technologies and renewables, Heritage Great Britain was keen to improve environmental awareness amongst staff and create a real culture of efficiency that runs throughout the business.”

The green initiative comes just as Lightwater Valley announces an 11 per cent increase in visitor numbers and a 9 per cent annual increase in revenue for 2014.

Mark Bainbridge, general manager of Lightwater Valley, said: “We are investing £350,000 on replacing the existing crazy golf and a new vintage car rally ride as well as looking at other activities to build on last year’s success.”